Notes from the Sheepfold

ALLEGAN _ Food, fun and film will help the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd focus on building relationships and community as it begins its 160th anniversary year with a special Pride month event.

This is the second year that Good Shepherd parish members have joined events and programs across the country during Pride month recognizing the history and impact of LGBT individuals on society.

The free event – slated for 7 p.m. Friday, June 15, at 101 N. Walnut St. – is meant to educate the community, said church council president Judy Buchanan.

“It’s important, as an affirming and inclusive congregation, that we provide a place where people can learn and grow in ways that everyone feels safe and welcome,” Buchanan said. “We want people to come, exchange ideas, ask questions and simply spend time getting to know each other.”

The event will include a documentary film related to LGBTQ issues screened in the sanctuary to promote conversations followed by food and fun in the fellowship hall. For more information, call the parish office at (269) 673-2254.

Good Shepherd, tucked where Walnut and Hubbard streets intersect downtown, was established as a parish on June 15, 1858 and built its first building the next next spring.

The parish is part of the “Believe Out Loud” network that empowers Christians to work for LGBT equality and certifies that a church provides a welcoming atmosphere, and the congregation operates several outreach programs, including the Community Closet to distribute gently used clothing and the Baby Closet to distribute layettes for newborn babies.